Meteorologist Amy Freeze reveals how to make the most of the varied weather in the Southwest, from perfect picnic days in Phoenix to snowy escapes in Flagstaff.

In this comprehensive guide, Amy Freeze walks us through a typical week across the diverse climates of the Southwest. Learn how to plan your activities and travels as we cover clear skies in Phoenix for outdoor fun, mixed precipitation in Northern Nevada for cautious travels, and much more. Prepare for every weather eventuality with expert tips! The Regional Radar reveals quite a dynamic weather picture across the Southwest. In Northern Nevada, including Ely, we see snow, indicating chilling conditions in the higher elevations. Farther east in Cedar City, a mix of rain and snow creates tricky travel conditions. For those traveling through this area, caution is advised. Meanwhile, eastern Arizona also has some snowfall around Flagstaff, with chilly air settling in as snowflakes drift down. This could make for a picturesque but cold day. Moving to the West, the San Francisco Bay Area down to Fresno is basking in clear skies, while Los Angeles all the way to San Diego enjoys mild weather with no precipitation in sight. Residents of Salt Lake City should remain alert for advancing weather systems from the east, but for now, it’s clear and calm. Across the board from Reno to Redding, conditions remain dry, offering a break from any severe weather.
Phoenix enjoys a warm afternoon with temperatures rising to 75 degrees at 4 p.m., increasing slightly to 77 degrees by 6 p.m. Winds are currently light, coming from the west at 6 miles per hour, transitioning to west-northwest at around 7 miles per hour as we progress into the evening. As we move toward 8 p.m., expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures remaining steady at 77 degrees. Winds remain consistent from the west-northwest at 9 miles per hour.
Let’s take a look at the regional high temperatures across the Southwest today. In Southern California, Los Angeles is experiencing a pleasant day with a high reaching 77 degrees, while San Diego is slightly cooler at 72 degrees. Bakersfield is even warmer, hitting 79 degrees. Headed further east to Nevada, Las Vegas basks in a sunny day with a high of 73 degrees, a bit milder than yesterday. Meanwhile, in Ely, it’s quite cool with a high of only 54 degrees. Over in Arizona, Phoenix is heating things up with a high of 79 degrees, showcasing the warm desert sun. Flagstaff contrasts dramatically with a chilly high of just 48 degrees, thanks to increased elevation. This pattern highlights the temperature contrasts we often see in the region, especially between the valleys and the higher terrains.
Temperatures are dipping significantly as colder air moves in. Ely will see a low of 30 degrees, a notable drop for the area. Las Vegas is expected to cool down to 52 degrees, while Cedar City will be chilling at 34. Flagstaff is forecasted to be much colder at just 27 degrees, making it the chilliest spot in the region. In contrast, Phoenix remains relatively mild with a low of 57 degrees, providing a warmer option for those in the Valley. The coastal cities will also experience cool temperatures, with Los Angeles and San Diego both around 50 degrees.
High temperatures for the Southwest tomorrow will showcase a warm trend across the region. Los Angeles is set to reach a comfortable 77 degrees, while San Diego will enjoy similar warmth with a high of 79 degrees. Up in Fresno, expect temperatures to soar to 81 degrees, and Bakersfield will be even warmer at 82 degrees. Las Vegas will see a high of 79 degrees, staying consistent with the warm weather pattern. Ely is forecasting a mild high of 63 degrees, while Cedar City remains cooler at 59 degrees. In contrast, Flagstaff is on the chillier side with only 57 degrees expected. Phoenix will be one of the hottest spots in the region, hitting a high of 82 degrees.
A cold front approaches the Southwest late tomorrow, bringing widespread rain showers across Northern California, including the San Joaquin Valley. Heavy rain in the San Bernardino Valley could cause localized flooding. The Sierra Nevada could see snow impacting travel over mountain passes. As the system moves east, expect thunderstorms from Phoenix to Tucson. Temperatures drop significantly with this front by up to 15 degrees, bringing cooler weather across the region on Wednesday. Keep an eye out for severe weather alerts, especially for strong winds and potential flooding in low-lying areas.
For your weekend plans in Phoenix, expect a strong UV index of 8 on both Saturday and Sunday. This means a burn time of just 17 minutes in direct sunlight. Make sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and take breaks in the shade to protect your skin from the sun’s rays!